The National Chess Congress in Philadelphia (November 26-29) ended in a four-way tie for first between GMs Alexander Shabalov, Sergey Kudrin (the winner on tiebreak), Aleksandr Lenderman and Giorgi Kacheishvili. The US Chess Scoop interviewed several players between rounds.

IM Robert Hungaski talked to CLO about a tough loss against GM Aleksandr Lenderman in round four and on a brighter note, his role in leading his team, the New England Nor'Easters to a US Chess League victory.

Look for an upcoming video on CLO of Hungaski's blitz match against IM and USCL commissioner Greg Shahade.

GM Alexander Shabalov talked to the US Chess Scoop about his ups and downs at the Congress.

High-school student Linda Diaz had fond memories of the tournament site, having won the Under 1900 section of the Philadelphia Open back in the Spring. She talked to CLO about a nice win in the Under 2000.